Every year, Kaplan releases updated books in July for the following year’s exam (e.g., 2025 books release July 2024). The first printing always has typos or wrong answer keys in the Concept Checkers. By December, they issue an errata PDF, but if you buy used books on eBay from May, you might be studying with errors.
When candidates refer to the "Kaplan Schweser book," they are usually talking about the SchweserNotes™ for Level 1. This is not a single book but a curated set of study guides. The standard package typically includes:
Unlike the official CFA curriculum (which runs roughly 3,400 pages), the SchweserNotes condense the essential information into roughly 1,500 pages. They do this by stripping out academic fluff, redundant explanations, and complex mathematical proofs that the CFA Institute includes for theoretical completeness.
Kaplan Schweser is the leading global provider of CFA exam prep. Their "Book" usually refers to the SchweserNotes. While the CFA Institute provides the original curriculum (which is thousands of pages long), Schweser condenses this into five manageable books.
Key Features:
The Kaplan Schweser CFA Level 1 book package is highly recommended as a primary reading source for candidates with 150–200 study hours available. It is not sufficient as a sole resource; candidates must supplement with the CFA Institute’s question bank and official mocks. For Ethics and FSA deep dives, refer back to the original curriculum.
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Cost: Approximately $350–$500 (new) depending on package (digital + print). Used prior editions (1 year old) are viable except for changes in LOS weights and Ethics standards.
End of Report
The Kaplan Schweser CFA Level 1 study materials, specifically the SchweserNotes™
, are widely regarded as the "gold standard" for candidates seeking an efficient alternative to the extensive official CFA Institute curriculum. Designed for speed and clarity, these books condense thousands of pages of dense material into a more manageable, exam-focused format. Core Components of the Schweser Package
Most comprehensive packages, such as the Kaplan Schweser Ultimate Package, include a suite of integrated tools:
SchweserNotes™: A 5-volume set that breaks down every Learning Outcome Statement (LOS) into bite-sized segments with realistic examples. SchweserPro™ QBank
: An online database featuring over 2,600 exam-like questions with detailed answer explanations and performance tracking. Secret Sauce® Book
: A compact "high-yield" book designed for the final weeks of preparation, highlighting essential concepts and test-taking tips.
Mock Exams: Typically includes 6 full-length mock exams that simulate the actual Prometric computer-based testing interface. kaplan schweser cfa level 1 book
QuickSheets: A foldable reference guide containing key formulas and definitions for quick review. Comparison: Schweser vs. CFA Institute (CFAI)
Best CFA Books: Official CFA Institute Books & Top Study Guides
For decades, Kaplan Schweser’s SchweserNotes™ has been the most widely used study resource for the CFA Level 1 exam, with approximately 90% of candidates utilizing their materials to navigate the dense curriculum. While the official CFA Institute curriculum provides the ultimate source of truth, Schweser serves as an essential "translator," distilling thousands of pages into a streamlined, exam-focused format designed to maximize study efficiency. The Core Value: Efficiency and Clarity
The primary appeal of Kaplan Schweser lies in its atomic brevity. The CFA Level 1 curriculum covers 10 distinct topic areas, including high-weight sections like Ethical and Professional Standards (15–20%) and Financial Statement Analysis (11–14%). CFA Level 1 Exam Prep - Kaplan Schweser
Quantitative Methods: 6–9% Economics: 6–9% Corporate Issuers: 6–9% Financial Statement Analysis: 11–14% Equity Investments: 11–14% Kaplan Schweser
How to Prep for and Pass the CFA Level I Exam - Kaplan Schweser
Kaplan Schweser's CFA Level 1 study materials are widely considered the "gold standard" for exam preparation, primarily because they condense the massive official CFA Institute (CFAI) curriculum into a more digestible format. While the official curriculum is more comprehensive and practical, Schweser is designed for maximum efficiency, focusing heavily on Learning Outcome Statements (LOS) to help candidates pass in a limited timeframe. Core Features of SchweserNotes™ Condensed Content Every year, Kaplan releases updated books in July
: Replaces thousands of pages of official text with a focused 4-to-7 volume set. SchweserPro™ QBank
: Includes over 2,600 exam-like questions, custom quizzes, and performance tracking. Practice Exams
: Packages typically include 2 to 6 full-length mock exams designed to simulate the actual Prometric test center experience. Secret Sauce®
: A compact book designed for the final weeks of study, offering concise reviews and exam strategies. QuickSheet
: A portable, 6-page summary of essential formulas and key concepts. Kaplan Schweser Current Study Packages & Pricing (2026)
Kaplan Schweser offers tiered packages based on the level of instructor support required: Kaplan Schweser SchweserNotes for the CFA Exam
Since you have mentioned the Kaplan Schweser CFA Level 1 Book, I am assuming you are looking for a summary of how to best utilize this resource, an overview of the 2024/2025 curriculum changes, or a breakdown of the topics covered. Unlike the official CFA curriculum (which runs roughly
Here is a comprehensive guide to the Kaplan Schweser CFA Level 1 materials and how to integrate them into your study plan.
Preparing for CFA Level I is a major undertaking, and Kaplan Schweser is one of the most widely used third‑party providers of prep materials. This post gives a thorough, practical look at the Kaplan Schweser CFA Level I book/package: what’s included, strengths and weaknesses, how it compares to CFA Institute materials, study strategies using Schweser, pricing and formats, and a recommended 16‑week study plan.